I have a Mansion in the Post-apocalyptic World - Chapter 371

Chapter 371: Shell Grains

“If we do fight, what’s our probability of winning?”

Chapter 372: Mining Resources Deposition Map

The three came to the slave trade area at the Outer Circle. After Jiang Chen paid the twenty thousand crystals, the one thousand slaves were transferred under his name. Escorted by Fishbone soldiers, the slaves in shredded clothes walked in the direction of the underground tunnel.

They will be brought to the Fishbone base and receive three months of military training. If they successfully pass, they will be promoted to lower citizen. For the people that can’t pass, they will be transported to the colonies for production work.

Hu Youde gave an elaborative bow after he received the crystals from Jiang Chen and then left with his back hunched.

“I bought something from a store at the Sixth Street… Do you know where these came from?” After he dragged Zhao Chenwu to the side, Jiang Chen took out the bag of shell grains.

“Shell grains? I know about this. It was not until my trade fleet left the province of Suhang did I realize the wasteland was far bigger than we have imagined. In Jinchu land 600 kilometers away, the survivors there all grow these types of crops. Only recently did these crops arrive here.” Zhao Chenwu stared at the bullet shell sized grains as he forced a smile.

“How’s the production quantity of these?” Jiang Chen asked in an undertone.

“The production quantity is substantial, but there is a strict requirement for soil quality. Only soil with both radiation and contamination below 20 could be used. Thus no soil in Wanghai fits this condition. Even in Jinchu, there is not a lot of land that can produce this crop. Although the plantation tower can grow this, the cost would be high.

Zhao Chenwu paused and grabbed a few grains out of the bag.

“The starch of this type of shell grain possess a few types of special plant proteins because of its compact structure. If it were cooked into rice, usually the outside would be overcooked, but the inside would still be undercooked. Therefore, this type of shell grain would usually be used to make flour and then mixed with a special type of butter produced by mutant meat to make bread or cookie, or even alcohol. My trade fleet saw those in Wu city. Of course, when I saw that they could produce food… To be honest, I was surprised. I originally thought that only the Northern Area Alliance and some of the fallout shelters could produce food, but somehow people managed to discover an edible mutated crop.”

Radiation brought too many surprises to this land. Similar to no one knowing what monsters would walk out from the nuclear pit, no one knows what treasures are hidden inside. When the plants from the old world could no longer grow on this piece of soil, new plants of the new world replaced them and prospered.

“Would this type of mutated plant not accumulate toxins?” Jiang Chen was confused.

In his impression, the reason why most of the plants on the wasteland land could not be used was due to the toxins in the soil accumulating in the plant itself. It was the reason why mutated fruits were not edible and could only be used as ingredients for nutrient supplies.

“The shell grain is unique. The toxins are accumulated in the shell of the grain so it can be edible without throwing it into the organic converter.” Zhao Chenwu let out a sigh.

This was not good news. With the crop flowing into Wanghai, it would impact the monopoly that the Fishbone base and Zhao corporation have in the food business. Although the taste was nowhere comparable to rice, for the poor that could not afford rice, it was a good substitute.

Seeing that Jiang Chen was silent, Zhao Chenwu proposed.

“I recommended Chu Nan increase the tax on shell grains.”

“Oh? His response was?” Jiang Chen asked.

“Free trade.” Zhao Chenwu shrugged helplessly.

“He has the same idea as me.”

“Okay, since this is your business.” Zhao Chenwu saw that Jiang Chen was not moved, sighed, and didn’t insist.

Protectionism was meaningless other than making the poor unable to afford the top grain, even if they didn’t eat this, it was unlikely they would purchase the food they couldn’t afford anyway.

Subjectively speaking, the shell grains existing in the Sixth Street would be helpful in boosting the population. Only with enough food could it feed more people. From a long-term perspective, its entry is more beneficial.

…

After he departed with Zhao Chenwu, it was getting late. Therefore, Jiang Chen decided to stay the night at Paradise Island hotel.

The next morning, Jiang Chen took the helicopter back to the Fishbone base.

One thousand slaves stood at the square in front of the community center, under the statue of the Mother of Death Claw. The slaves’ clothes were all replaced with Fishbone’s uniform. Although they were not at ease with what was happening, they didn’t have room to resist with a rifle pointed towards them.

Cheng Weiguo was on top of the temporarily installed podium and was lecturing the new recruits. He then announced the rules of the Fishbone base as well as the training plan for the next three months.

Jiang Chen avoided the square and returned to the mansion before he went to Yao Yao’s room.

The bedroom door was open when he walked in. The loli was working on a mechanical helmet.

“Ahh, big brother is back, is there something you need me for?” Yao Yao’s eyes immediately lit up with stars when she noticed Jiang Chen. She took off her welding mask and turned around in joy.

Her thin legs dangled on the side of the chair as they matched perfectly with her pink dress.

“Mhmm, there is something. What is this?” Jiang Chen rubbed her head.

“A brainwave signal converter device. If sister Xiaorou could put it on, she could walk without a wheelchair,” Yao Yao’s large eyes as she said in happiness.

“Really? Then thank you Yao Yao.”

With a shy blush on her face, Yao Yao smiled. “It is all Lin Lin’s work, I only worked on the database and chip processing.”

Lin Lin? He didn’t think she would care so much for other people. Jiang Chen was delighted by the thought.

“Big brother has something that Yao Yao can help with?” Yao Yao blinked her crystal-like eyes as she scanned Jiang Chen’s face.

“Mhmm. Sun Jiao copied the library’s database to your place right? Could you search for me if there are mining resources deposition maps in there.”

“Mining resources deposition maps? Let me look for them.”

The white stocking covered feet was just long enough to reach the slippers on the floor. Yao Yao slid her chair to the other computer table as she rapidly typed on the screen. A blue loading bar appeared in the middle.

Half a minute later, 37 search results popped up.

Jiang Chen stood behind her as he confirmed map by map, but he didn’t see anything he wanted.

“Why are these all production output data… No specific deposition information?” Jiang Chen forced a smile.

“… Sorry, I didn’t manage to help you.” Yao Yao lowered her head in disappointment.

“No, it is not Yao Yao’s fault. Perhaps this geological information is too sensitive and not recorded in the city library’s database,” Jiang Chen comforted her.

It made sense. How would these key information appear in a library open to all everyone?

“…if it is not in the library, would it be at the Wanghai Geology Ministry?” Yao Yao suggested. She didn’t want to just give up.

Ministry of? That’s a good idea.

“Could your computer search for the location of it?”

The map on the EP was only an aerial map. It could only recognize stations, airports, hospital or other prominent landmarks.

“No problem, leave it up to Yao Yao! The library’s database has city maps from before the war… Here it is.” As she said this, Yao Yao already dragged out the map and presented it in front of Jiang Chen.

“On the outskirt of the city center?”

Jiang Chen with a frown stared at the red dot on the map.

Jiang Chen thought Chu Nan would give him an accurate response, but he shook his head.

“Hard to say.”

“Why?” Jiang Chen asked.

“From the current command structure, even if we mobilize more troops, it would still be hard to win.” Chu Nan was straightforward.

“Changing the command structure… Do you have any recommendations?”

Before he headed back last time, Jiang Chen had been thinking about this problem, but he didn’t really have an idea. He has established the administrative structure, but the militarily one… To be honest, other than knowing how to play a few strategy games, he was completely illiterate in military knowledge.

“I don’t know too much about military command. Didn’t you capture a Colonel? She probably knows more than all of us,” Chu Nan said.

A glimpse of awkwardness flashed across Jiang Chen’s face as his eyes drifted to the side.

“Ahem, she still hasn’t given up her loyalty to the organization.”

With a slight frown, Chu Nan pondered, “That shouldn’t be possible, is there something wrong with the chip… Do you need me to help you?”

“No need, I can take care of it,” Jiang Chen quickly rejected the proposal.

Chu Nan took a moment to process before he looked at Jiang Chen dubiously.

“Allow me to be honest, it is not wise to have compassion for the captive. Her knowledge is extremely critical to your cause, I hope general can consider seriously.”

“I will.” Jiang Chen gave a vague answer, “I will do my best to reform the command structure. Do you have a preparatory plan for the crusade?”

Seeing that Jiang Chen didn’t want to continue on the topic, Chu Nan knew it was best to talk about something else, “Of course. First, is military resources. We can use the bank to distribute war bonds in order to fund the war. The payment will be the supplies obtained from the mutated humans. Then we will use the gathered funding to purchase from the major military factories for weapon and ammo, this will inject some life into the stagnate military industry. At the same time, the funding will be used to hire mercenaries and hunting teams, as well as pay for the salary of the soldiers reporting to duty.”

“Not a bad plan.” Jiang Chen praised.

A war that wouldn’t cost a single cent, but would instead make money. Using the citizens’ money to pay for the military bill of the Fishbone base, and using the orders to promote economic growth. It was a brilliant move.

“What about the soldiers? How many soldiers can we mobilize?” Jiang Chen continued to ask.

“Approximately 1000 soldiers.”

A sufficient number, Jiang Chen nodded, pleased. Including the 1000 slaves Jiang Chen purchased, he will have 2000 soldiers. Once training is completed, the Fishbone base’s military personnel will more than double.

“Then the preparation for the crusade will be up to you, if there is nothing else, I will head out now.”

Jiang Chen stood up.

Seeing that Jiang Chen was about to leave, Chu Nan also stood up and walked him to the door.

…

Although he still needed to take care of some things, Jiang Chen was not in a rush. It has been more than a year; he wanted to see how developed the small city has become.

After exchanging departing words with Chu Nan, Jiang Chen strolled through the Inner Circle before he headed to the Outer Circle.

Compared to last year, this place did indeed become more prosperous.

The buildings along the side of the streets were all renovated, a lot of them were bulldozed down and rebuilt into three or four story high buildings. Just by standing here, ignoring the yellowish green radiation dust, it didn’t feel like the wasteland at all.

Busy crowds; a variety of items. The lone travelers with rifles on their backs negotiated prices with the store owners while soldiers in carbon-nano combat suit maintained the order of the market. Other than the everyday clothes worn by the Wanghai survivors, there occasionally would be someone with drastically different looking clothes. Some were from Luzhou 400 kilometers away, some were from the Wu city, some were even from the North Alliance Area.

While they brought crystals and goods, they also brought missing technology. For example, a useful smart mechanical dog that could carry up to 100 kilograms of supplies in all terrains eased the scavengers from carrying all the garbage. Another example was the silk from a species of mutated spiders. The silk could be produced into the chemical adhesive and used as a replacement to the commonly used adhesive. A lot of private factories already absorbed such technologies and started to manufacture these new goods.

The former ghetto was already bulldozed down with apartment buildings being built. Most were private properties with a small portion owned by the military government as shelters. There were no more malnourished prostitutes. What replaced them were legally operated entertainment centers and sex workers dressed appropriately. There were no more refugees on the street waiting for their death. As long as the person was able-bodied, they could find a job in the Sixth Street.

The difference here compared to one year ago was the idea of civilization.

“Don’t miss the opportunity! Fresh shell grains! Take a look!”

A merchant’s shouting drew Jiang Chen’s attention.

A not-so-spacious store was crowded with people. Two mercenary-looking workers were packaging the grains on the scale. The merchant in animal fur shouted while accepting payment from the customer and handing them the bags of shell grain.

“Shell grain?” Jiang Chen looked at the bags of grains in surprise.

He got closer and asked the merchant.

“How much is this?”

“One kilogram for three crystals, no haggling.” The merchant didn’t recognize Jiang Chen’s face, so he must be an outsider.

[It is similar to the price of a bag of instant noodles; slightly cheaper than rice.] Jiang Chen thought.

“Where are these things being transported from?” Jiang Chen asked.

The merchant looked at Jiang Chen cautiously and didn’t respond right away. He only said, “Are you going to buy it or not? If you are not, then move.”

Jiang Chen didn’t mind his rudeness as he took out three grain-sized crystals and threw it in the merchant’s hand.

“Give me one kilogram.”

When the merchant saw the crystals, a smile quickly appeared on his face as he handed him a bag of shell grains with both of his hands.

With the bag of shell grains in his hand, Jiang Chen stood there for a while before he walked to the warehouse area.

When he arrived, Zhao Chenwu had been waiting at the door for a while. Beside him was another person, Hu Youde from the giant pit.

Hu Youde’s eyes lit up when he saw Jiang Chen and quickly went up to greet him.

“Mr. Jiang, we meet again. I brought the slaves you wanted.”

“Where are they?” Jiang Chen looked around. There was no one else in sight.

“Ahem, of course, it is not here. Slave business is usually done at the shelter outside of the wall. It is a rule set by you,” Zhao Chenwu walked up and explained to Jiang Chen.

Could be a rule established by Chu Nan. Jiang Chen didn’t know.